The Complete Guide to Oceanside, Oregon

Perched on a quiet headland along the Three Capes Scenic Loop, Oceanside, Oregon is one of the Oregon Coast's best-kept secrets. This small unincorporated community in Tillamook County has no stoplights, no big-box hotels and no boardwalk crowds — just a wide sandy beach, a hidden cove reached through a hand-dug tunnel, and unobstructed views of one of the most important seabird refuges on the West Coast. If you're planning a trip to the northern Oregon Coast and want a home base that feels like a genuine coastal escape, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Where Is Oceanside, Oregon?

Oceanside sits about 10 miles west of the town of Tillamook, just off Highway 131 on the Three Capes Scenic Loop — the 25-mile scenic byway that connects Cape Meares, Oceanside, Netarts, Cape Lookout and Pacific City. The drive from Portland takes roughly two hours, making Oceanside an easy weekend trip for Willamette Valley residents and a quieter alternative to the busier stretches of coastline near Cannon Beach and Lincoln City.

Getting to Oceanside

From Portland, the most direct route follows Highway 26 west to Highway 101, then Highway 6 through the Tillamook State Forest into the town of Tillamook, before picking up the Three Capes Scenic Loop toward Oceanside. From the south (Lincoln City or Pacific City), simply follow the Three Capes Loop north through Netarts. Parking in Oceanside is limited and free at the main Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site lot, so arriving early on summer weekends is worth it.

Top Things to Do in Oceanside

Walk Through the Tunnel to Tunnel Beach Blog / SEO Content Marketing The single most-loved thing to do in Oceanside is also its strangest landmark. At the north end of Oceanside Beach, a hand-carved passage runs about 90 feet through the base of Maxwell Point, a basalt headland that would otherwise cut off the beach beyond it. The tunnel was dug in 1926 by the Rosenberg family, who built Oceanside's first vacation resort and wanted their guests to be able to reach the cove on the other side without waiting for low tide. Today it leads to Tunnel Beach, a smaller, more rugged stretch of sand scattered with sea stacks and tide pools, with some of the best straight-on views of Three Arch Rocks anywhere in town. Bring a phone flashlight — the middle of the tunnel is genuinely dark — and keep an eye on the tide, since the north end of the beach can only be reached by tunnel or, at low tide, by walking around the point.

Spend an Afternoon at Oceanside Beach Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site is the town's main stretch of sand and a fee-free spot for beachcombing, kite flying, wildlife watching and simply taking in the view. Agate hunting is best in winter, when storms strip away the summer sand, while summer brings calmer conditions for an easy walk or a picnic on the dunes overlooking the water.

Spot Wildlife at Three Arch Rocks Half a mile offshore, the nine sea stacks of Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge host one of the largest seabird colonies on the Oregon Coast, along with a pupping site for threatened Steller sea lions. The refuge is closed to the public, but it's easily viewed with binoculars from Oceanside Beach, Tunnel Beach or the Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint to the north. (For the full history and best viewing tips, see our dedicated guide to Three Arch Rocks.)

Drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop Oceanside makes an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Cape Meares, with its squat 38-foot lighthouse and the enormous Octopus Tree, is a 10-minute drive north. Cape Lookout State Park, with miles of forested hiking trails and a dramatic viewpoint at the tip of its two-mile headland, is about 20 minutes south.

Paddle or Clam Netarts Bay Just south of Oceanside, the calm, shallow waters of Netarts Bay are a favorite spot for kayaking, crabbing and clamming, and a much gentler alternative to the open ocean for families traveling with kids.

Best Time to Visit Oceanside

Summer (July through September) brings the mildest weather, the calmest water and the best odds of seeing tufted puffins at Three Arch Rocks. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and dramatic skies for photography, while winter is prime season for storm watching and agate hunting — just plan for wind and rain.

Where to Eat in Oceanside

Oceanside's dining scene is small but well-loved by regulars: expect casual cafes serving fresh seafood, hearty breakfasts and coffee with an ocean view, plus a couple of low-key spots for a beer and a sunset after a day on the beach. Reservations aren't usually needed, but tables can fill up fast on summer weekends, so it's worth eating a little earlier or later than the peak dinner rush.

Where to Stay in Oceanside

Because Oceanside is so small, choosing the right place to stay makes a real difference to your trip. Three Arch Inn sits within easy walking distance of Oceanside Beach and the Tunnel Beach trailhead, with ocean-view rooms, full kitchens in select accommodations, private balconies and patios, and pet-friendly options for travelers bringing along a four-legged companion. Six distinct room types make it easy to find the right fit for a couple's getaway, a family trip or a larger group exploring the Three Capes together.